No Time to Die, released in 2021, is the twenty-fifth film in the James Bond series and marked Daniel Craig’s fifth and final performance as the iconic British secret agent. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the film brought an emotional and action-packed conclusion to Craig’s tenure as Bond. Craig’s portrayal in No Time to Die is both intense and heartfelt, providing a fitting end to his era and setting a new benchmark for the franchise.
Background and development
No Time to Die was developed with the intention of concluding the narrative arc that began with Casino Royale. Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli aimed to create a film that would provide a satisfying and conclusive farewell to Craig’s Bond while introducing new elements that would propel the franchise into the future. Cary Joji Fukunaga, known for his work on True Detective and Beasts of No Nation, was chosen to direct, bringing a fresh perspective and a cinematic flair to the project.
The screenplay, written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Cary Joji Fukunaga, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, explores themes of legacy, sacrifice, and redemption. The film introduced Rami Malek as Safin, a mysterious and deadly villain, and Léa Seydoux reprised her role as Dr. Madeleine Swann. With a substantial budget, the production featured elaborate set pieces and diverse locations, from the picturesque towns of Italy to the dense forests of Norway.
Plot summary
The film opens with a flashback to Madeleine Swann’s childhood, where she witnesses the murder of her mother by Safin. Swann escapes after shooting Safin, who survives. In the present, Bond and Swann are in Matera, Italy, enjoying a peaceful life. Bond visits Vesper Lynd’s tomb to make peace with his past, but it is destroyed by a bomb, leading to an ambush by Spectre agents. Bond believes Swann betrayed him and leaves her.
Five years later, Bond is retired in Jamaica. His peace is interrupted when his old friend, CIA agent Felix Leiter, and his colleague Logan Ash, approach him for help in finding Valdo Obruchev, a kidnapped scientist. Obruchev was working on Project Heracles, a bioweapon containing nanobots that can target specific DNA. Bond reluctantly agrees and travels to Cuba, where he infiltrates a Spectre meeting with the help of CIA agent Paloma.
At the meeting, Blofeld, imprisoned in London, attempts to kill Bond using the Heracles weapon, but the nanobots instead kill all the Spectre members due to Obruchev’s manipulation. Bond captures Obruchev and brings him to Leiter and Ash, but Ash betrays them, kills Leiter, and escapes with Obruchev.
Bond returns to London and rejoins MI6. He learns that Heracles was secretly developed by M and realizes the potential global threat it poses. Bond interrogates Blofeld, who dies after Bond unknowingly infects him with Heracles through contact with Swann. Bond reconciles with Swann, and she reveals she has a daughter, Mathilde, whom Bond initially denies is his.
Bond and Swann travel to Safin’s island base, where Obruchev is mass-producing the Heracles weapon. With the help of Nomi, the new 007, they infiltrate the base. Safin captures Swann and Mathilde, forcing Bond to surrender. Bond escapes, kills Safin’s men, and confronts Safin, who infects Bond with a vial containing nanobots programmed to kill Swann and Mathilde. Realizing he cannot be with his family, Bond sacrifices himself to destroy the island and the Heracles weapon, ensuring the safety of Swann and Mathilde.
The film concludes with M, Q, Moneypenny, and Nomi mourning Bond’s death. Swann drives with Mathilde, telling her about her father, James Bond.
Characters and performances
Daniel Craig’s performance in No Time to Die is a powerful and fitting conclusion to his portrayal of James Bond. Craig’s Bond is a man haunted by his past but driven by a sense of duty and love. His portrayal captures the physicality, emotional depth, and complexity of Bond, making his final moments both heroic and tragic. Craig’s ability to convey vulnerability and strength adds significant weight to Bond’s character, culminating in a memorable farewell.
Léa Seydoux’s Dr. Madeleine Swann returns with a compelling and emotional performance. Swann’s relationship with Bond is central to the narrative, and Seydoux brings depth and nuance to her character, highlighting her strength, vulnerability, and love for Bond. Swann’s revelation about her daughter adds a new layer to her character, making her bond with Bond even more poignant.
Rami Malek’s Safin is a chilling and enigmatic villain. Malek’s portrayal of Safin as a soft-spoken but deadly adversary adds a sense of menace and unpredictability to the film. Safin’s personal vendetta and his grandiose plans for global destruction make him a formidable and memorable antagonist.
The supporting cast, including Ralph Fiennes as M, Naomie Harris as Moneypenny, Ben Whishaw as Q, and Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter, enrich the story with their strong performances and interactions with Bond. Fiennes’ M faces the consequences of his actions with Heracles, while Harris’ Moneypenny and Whishaw’s Q provide support and camaraderie. Wright’s Leiter shares a poignant and tragic arc with Bond, highlighting their deep friendship.
Ana de Armas’s Paloma is a standout character, bringing energy, charm, and combat prowess to the film. Though her screen time is brief, de Armas’s performance leaves a lasting impression, making Paloma a memorable ally for Bond. Lashana Lynch’s Nomi, the new 007, brings a fresh dynamic to the series, showcasing her skills and determination while working alongside Bond.
Themes and style
No Time to Die explores themes of legacy, sacrifice, and redemption. The film delves into Bond’s struggle to reconcile his past with his present, his sense of duty with his desire for a normal life, and his ultimate sacrifice for those he loves. The exploration of Safin’s motivations and his connection to Swann highlights themes of revenge and the consequences of power.
The film’s style is a blend of classic Bond elements and modern sensibilities. The production design, including the picturesque settings of Italy, the vibrant streets of Cuba, and the stark landscapes of Norway, enhances the narrative’s visual appeal. The action sequences are meticulously crafted, with a focus on practical stunts and realistic combat that keep the tension high and the visuals compelling.
The thematic elements of legacy and sacrifice are underscored by the film’s aesthetic choices. The sleek, modern design of MI6’s operations contrasts with the rugged, natural environments where Bond’s final battles occur, reflecting the duality of his world. This juxtaposition highlights the tension between personal desires and professional duty.
Production design and locations
The film’s locations play a critical role in its appeal, showcasing stunning settings in Italy, Jamaica, Norway, and the UK. Production designer Mark Tildesley created memorable environments, such as the atmospheric streets of Matera, the vibrant nightlife of Havana, and the imposing, isolated island base of Safin. The use of real locations added authenticity and visual variety to the film.
Tildesley’s work on the sets, particularly the intricate design of Safin’s island base and the MI6 headquarters, demonstrated a commitment to creating immersive and visually striking environments. Filming in locations like the picturesque coastal town of Matera and the dense forests of Norway provided a diverse visual palette that enhanced the narrative. The innovative use of practical stunts, such as the thrilling car chase through the streets of Matera and the intense final confrontation on Safin’s island, showcased the film’s technical achievements and commitment to realism.
The action sequences are a testament to the film’s dedication to delivering high-quality thrills. The opening chase sequence in Matera, the high-stakes infiltration of Safin’s base, and the dramatic final battle are all meticulously designed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. These scenes are enhanced by the film’s exceptional production values and attention to detail, making No Time to Die one of the most visually impressive entries in the Bond series.
Music and soundtrack
Hans Zimmer composed the film’s score, bringing a fresh and dynamic sound to the franchise. Zimmer’s score blends traditional orchestral elements with modern electronic sounds, creating a vibrant and dynamic auditory experience that honors the legacy of John Barry while bringing a fresh energy to the franchise.
The title song, “No Time to Die,” performed by Billie Eilish, captures the film’s haunting and contemporary spirit. Written by Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell, the song’s melancholic melody and Eilish’s evocative vocals set the tone for the film, making it a memorable addition to the Bond theme canon. The song’s themes of resilience and farewell resonate with the film’s narrative, enhancing its emotional impact.
Zimmer’s score features a variety of musical styles, ranging from lush orchestral pieces to more minimalist, atmospheric tracks. Notable pieces include “Matera,” which underscores the adrenaline-pumping opening sequence, and “Good to Have You Back,” which accompanies the intense scenes of Bond’s return to MI6. Zimmer’s use of synthesizers and electronic beats brought a modern edge to the film’s soundscape, aligning with its contemporary setting.
One of the standout tracks, “Home,” combines dramatic string arrangements with subtle electronic elements, creating a sense of tension and sophistication that underscores the film’s pivotal scenes. Additionally, the track “Final Ascent” showcases Zimmer’s ability to blend suspense and emotion, featuring a driving rhythm that enhances the tension of Bond’s action scenes.
The soundtrack plays a crucial role in enhancing key scenes, whether it’s the heart-pounding action sequences or the quieter, more introspective moments. Zimmer’s innovative compositions, combined with Eilish’s powerful title song, helped solidify No Time to Die’s place in the Bond musical legacy, marking it as a significant evolution in the series’ sound.
Reception and legacy
Upon its release, No Time to Die received widespread critical acclaim and was a commercial success, grossing over $774 million worldwide. Critics praised Craig’s raw and intense portrayal of Bond, the film’s realistic and grounded approach, and its thrilling action sequences. The film was also noted for its strong supporting cast, particularly Rami Malek’s performance as Safin and Léa Seydoux’s portrayal of Madeleine Swann.
While some critics felt that the plot was overly complex and that the film’s pacing was uneven, the film’s high production values and compelling narrative were widely lauded. Over time, No Time to Die has been appreciated for its bold narrative choices and its ambitious attempt to modernize the Bond formula. The film is often cited as a strong entry in the franchise, reflecting the successful continuation of Craig’s tenure as Bond.
The positive reception reaffirmed Craig’s suitability as Bond and demonstrated the franchise’s ability to evolve and remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. The film’s success ensured the continued evolution of the series, influencing the tone and style of subsequent entries. Retrospective reviews have lauded the film’s balance of action, drama, and modernity, acknowledging its significant contribution to the Bond legacy.
Cultural impact
No Time to Die marked the end of Daniel Craig’s tenure as James Bond, bringing a sense of closure and culmination to his era. The film’s exploration of legacy, sacrifice, and personal redemption resonated deeply with audiences, providing a fitting farewell to Craig’s Bond. The film’s release during the COVID-19 pandemic added to its cultural significance, symbolising a return to cinemas for many viewers.
Billie Eilish’s theme song, “No Time to Die,” became a major hit, reflecting the contemporary musical landscape and connecting with a younger audience. The film’s blend of action, emotion, and complex narrative elements showcased the franchise’s ability to evolve and remain relevant.
Reflections on No Time to Die
No Time to Die is celebrated for its emotional depth and satisfying conclusion to Daniel Craig’s portrayal of Bond. Craig’s performance, marked by vulnerability and resilience, brought a poignant and powerful end to his character’s journey. The film’s intricate plot, involving biological warfare and personal vendettas, provided a thrilling and engaging narrative.
The action sequences, from the tense opening in Italy to the dramatic finale on an isolated island, demonstrated the franchise’s commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment. The film’s focus on themes of legacy and sacrifice, along with its exploration of Bond’s relationships, added a layer of emotional resonance that set it apart from previous entries. No Time to Die stands as a significant and impactful conclusion to the Craig era, highlighting the enduring appeal and adaptability of the James Bond series.